Mainoo deserves to start for England in EURO 2024
At 18 years and 342 days old, Kobbie Mainoo has never played for England U21, but now, if coach Gareth Southgate does not use this kid in England's main squad at EURO 2024, it will be a terrible waste. .
"He brings us something completely different," Southgate's brief comment on Mainoo's performance against Belgium brought great excitement. With only 74 minutes on the field, Mainoo took home the Player of the Match award in his first start for the Three Lions.
The difference Southgate speaks of can be immediately compared to the loss to Brazil. Just 3 days ago, the performance of England's midfield against the Selecao was lackluster. On a day when the whole system played poorly, the trio of Declan Rice, Conor Gallagher and Jude Bellingham also played below their strength, unable to create a rebound at both ends of the goal.
But with just one tweak when replacing Gallgher with Mainoo, the Three Lions' midfield was much more energetic. Just like how Mainoo is MU's default midfielder, the 18-year-old boy does not have the slightest bit of excitement or overwhelm when standing side by side with the best players in the country. Mainoo even played calmly and most effectively.
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| Mainoo had an excellent performance against the Belgian team |
During his minutes on the field, Mainoo did not top any index. With 47 touches, Mainoo is far less than Bellingham and even more than half of Rice's. He also only had 1 blocked shot. So what makes Mainoo the best?
That's because Mainoo is present in every hot spot on the field. Mainoo doesn't touch the ball much but is extremely versatile. With an 89% passing accuracy rate, Mainoo creates a seamless ball supply chain. In particular, Mainoo can create mutations with sudden accelerations or changes in direction. In such a situation in the middle of the first half, Mainoo created the ball that led to a penalty for Ivan Toney.
But certainly, the image that made fans most excited was when Mainoo held the ball and stabbed it straight between two experienced and muscular Belgian midfielders, Youri Tielemans and Amadou Onana. Mainoo's audacity forced the opponent to make a mistake and created endless noises in the stands.
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| Mainoo's well-deserved title |
Watching Mainoo compete, people have to question whether the boy is really under 19 years old? Because how can a teenager be so calm and stable? Mainoo provides his teammates with passing options and constant support, thereby creating the feeling that he is a solid support like a senior with many years of experience.
When he was taken off the field in the 74th minute, Mainoo was hugged by Southgate to the touchline to congratulate him, and tens of thousands of spectators at Wembley stood up and applauded. This is a huge encouragement that probably has to come from Wayne Rooney for a teenage player to be accepted into the England national team.
After this match, not only is Mainoo's place in the England squad at EURO 2024 guaranteed, but even a starting position. Looking at the general level, Southgate does not have any other possible name that can combine well with Rice and Bellingham in the English midfield. Mainoo is the difference that the Three Lions must nurture.
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